Hartlepool Walks
This town on the north east coast has some nice walks to try along its beaches, nature reserve and old quay.
This coastal walk from the town takes you to the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, located a few miles south of the town. Along the way there's beaches, sand dunes and views of Hartlepool Bay and Tees Bay.
The walk starts at Hartlepool's fascinating Historic Quay where there are old ships and a wonderful naval museum. From here you can pick up a shared cycling and walking trail and follow it south along Hartlepool Bay to Hewburn Bridge and Carr House Sands.
The route continues along Seaton Sands and Tees Bay before strolling out onto the North Gare Breakwater. Here you will find North Gare Sands and the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. The reserve has some lovely beaches, sand dunes and lots of birdlife to see. During the winter months Knot from Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, Shelduck, Teal and Sanderling are seen. In spring, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Snipe nest. The reserve is also unusual as it is surrounded by one of the largest concentrations of heavy industry in Britain including Hartlepool Power Station.
You can then follow a circular footpath around the golf course at Seaton Snook before following the same paths back into Hartlepool.
Postcode
TS24 0XN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsHartlepool Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Hartlepool Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Hartlepool OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hartlepool Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Hartlepool
- Durham Coastal Footpath - This walk follows a beautiful section of the Durham heritage coast from Seaham to Crimdon Park, just outside Hartlepool.
The path starts by Seaham harbour and heads south to Easington Colliery, passing Shippersea Bay and the lovely Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve on the way - Seaham - The town of Seaham is located on the Durham Coast, just south of Sunderland
- Castle Eden Dene - Enjoy miles of woodland trails, pretty streams, rushing waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife in this splendid nature reserve in Peterlee
- Castle Eden Walkway - Enjoy a cycle or walk along this disused railway line which runs along National Cycle Network Route 1
- Haswell to Hart - An easy shared cycling and walking route running from Haswell to Hart.
Pubs/Cafes
Near the start/end of the walk you can head to Jackson's Wharf for some refreshments. The pub is in a great location next to Hartlepool Marina, with a perfect view of HMS Trincomalee, Britain’s oldest floating warship. The wooden frigate, is the unofficial symbol of Hartlepool and makes a great backdrop for a some alfresco dining on the patio area of the pub. You can find the pub at postcode TS24 0XN for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The coastal paths and beaches are great for dog walking. The Jackson's Wharf pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
After you walk head to the historic quay and visit the Royal Naval Museum. The museum allows you to travel back in time at the 18th century seaport. You can see how tradesmen like tailors, printers and instrument makers earned a wage and how people spent their leisure time playing traditional games. Knowledgeable staff will explain the history and workings of the HMS Trincomalee and provide a wonderful cannon demonstration.
You can pick up the Durham Coastal Footpath at Hart, just to the north west of the town. The waymarked trail will take you up to one of the walking highlights of the area at the lovely Castle Eden Dene Nature Reserve.
Continuing along the path will take you to the coastal town of Seaham.